Remembering physics professor Josef 'Yossi' Ashkenazi

Physics professor Josef "Yossi" Ashkenazi passed away suddenly on October 3.

Ashkenazi has been a beloved teacher in the physics department at the University of Miami since 1988. Dr. Ashkenazi was also an active researcher, publishing a range of work on superconductivity throughout his career. His research on high-temperature superconductivity was recently featured on the university's New Knowledge site, which showcases discovery and innovation at UM.

“Yossi was extremely organized and had lots of energy,” Kenneth Voss, physics professor and chairman for UM’s Department of Physics, told The Miami Hurricane. “He was always done ahead of time. His energy in the department will be missed. It’s going to be hard. He was a positive and optimistic person.”

Born in Beit Hanan, Israel in 1944, Ashkenazi studied Physics at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where he earned his PhD in 1975. Throughout his life, Ashkenazi was a tireless worker for peace in Israel and the Middle East, serving on the board of the South Florida Jewish-Arab Dialogue Association and on the "Riviera Parliament" of Israelis living in South Florida.

Ashkenazi is survived by his longtime partner, Roz Averbook, his son, Oded Ashkenazi, his daughter, Avivit Ashkenazi Pyle, granddaughter, Jasmine, son-in-law, Jason Pyle, his sister, Rachela, many nieces and nephews in Israel and the Averbook family.

Read obituaries for Dr. Ashkenazi in The Miami Hurricane, The Miami Herald and The Times of Israel.

October 5, 2012